Almost 100 years in jail sentences for county lines offenders in Bedfordshire
Drugs offenders in Bedfordshire have been jailed for almost 100 years, thanks to a new police county lines team launched in March.
The team, which incorporates intelligence, enforcement and safeguarding into one unit, has also seized 16 weapons and made more than 40 referrals to support vulnerable individuals.
County lines criminality is more than just drug dealing. It can involve violence, coercion and the exploitation of some of the most vulnerable people including children and adults, who are targeted by organised crime groups for financial gain.
Since its inception at the beginning of March the team’s dedication and hard work has resulted in the following:
> 93 years and one month of prison sentences imposed
> 44 safeguarding referrals to support vulnerable individuals
> 16 bladed weapons recovered from our communities
> 94 mobile phones seized during investigations
> £22,849.75 in cash recovered
> More than 2.3kg of Class A and B drugs.
Detective Inspector Alison Whitworth, who leads the county lines team for Bedfordshire Police, said: “While the figures so far demonstrate the scale of our activity, what has been the highlight of the efforts so far is the safeguarding work that has taken place alongside each investigation.
“Every referral represents an opportunity to help someone escape exploitation and get access to the support that they need.
“This success is a testament to the dedication of our officers, staff and the strong partnerships we’ve built across Bedfordshire. Together we’re disrupting criminal networks, preventing harm and making our communities safer.”
As part of the work to prevent children from falling victims to county lines, the dangers of county lines, exploitation and knife crime and where to get advice and help, Bedfordshire Police is holding its latest ‘Not My Child’ event in Luton next week.
The free event takes place at Stopsley High School on November 19, between 6pm and 9pm. Parents will be able to hear lived experiences from former county lines victims and their parents and have access to several specialist teams to get advice and support if they think their child might be at risk.
Book free tickets to the event here